Match Preview | Scarlets (A)

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 14: Warriors’ Sione Vailanu scores a try during a BKT United Rugby Championship match between Glasgow Warriors and Scarlets at Scotstoun Stadium, on April 14, 2023, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

A second-half comeback for Glasgow last weekend means that they remain in third place ahead of Round 13. One point behind a second place Vodacom Bulls and five points shy of Leinster who remain at the stop of the table means that everything is to play for this Saturday. The Bulls and Leinster face each other this weekend, the result defining the top four of the table.

Glasgow will be searching for another win against a different Welsh side. Ideally, with a bonus-point too.

Whilst Scarlets currently sit in the bottom half of the table, previous fixtures against the two sides have been evenly matched. Glasgow holds 18 wins over the Welsh side, Scarlets holding 17 wins over the Warriors. The last six meetings between the two sides in the Championship have been evenly split with three wins apiece. The opposition will be looking to make that record even.

Indeed, history is on the Scarlets’ side with home advantages. Glasgow have not been victorious at Parc y Scarlets in the URC since a 40-10 win in 2016. However, the Warriors won 35-17 at the venue in last season’s EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final. The Warriors have also won their last three matches in the URC, including fellow Welsh teams Dragons and Cardiff.

The exceptional comeback in the second half last weekend exemplifies that Glasgow will be a tough side to defeat, even if Scarlets have the home advantage.

OPPOSITION LOWDOWN

Currently thirteenth in the URC table, Scarlets’ four game losing run in the BKT United Rugby Championship ended with their 16-13 home win over Benetton on Saturday. Scarlets have won two of their last three URC fixtures against Scottish opponents. However, the hosts this weekend have not won back-to-back Championship games since February 2023.

Ioan Lloyd is the ninth highest points scorer in the URC. The youthful fly-half and capped Welsh international is certainly one to watch this weekend.